We advise the client in selecting a project strategy, we provide the knowledge and experience in implementing IT solutions and using good business practices. Our objective is to present such an approach to the project which will enable the achievement of business goals with a minimum project risk. We think that an SAP project is a joint undertaking of the client and SNP Poland. Therefore, we prepare an offer for SNP Poland services on an individual basis – as a result of the joint work of both parties and as a starting point for further actions.

In our projects, we put a special emphasis on knowledge transfer to the client’s employees during consultation and training. Our purpose is to make the client the true owner of the solution – being able to maintain and develop it himself.

When carrying out implementation of projects and outsourcing services, we rely on:

• Go Forward – an in-house developed implementation methodology
• world quality standards compliant with ISO 27001, ISO 20000
• an analysis of the outcome of our customers’ satisfaction surveys

What is implementation methodology?

The methodology consists of strictly defined action procedures that describe, step by step, the SAP system implementation process. Given the complexity of implementation projects (ranging from over a dozen to several dozen people involved in a several-month or over dozen month undertaking, which determines the way in which the whole company functions), it is necessary to set the process in order and maintain a formal framework allowing for the continuous checking as to whether the direction of work, and partial deliverables, meet the customer’s requirements.

Foundations of the SNP Poland implementation methodology

The Go Forward methodology has been created on the basis of more than a dozen years of SNP Poland experience in the delivery of SAP projects. Go Forward is based on world standards in project management, defined by the Project Management Institute (PMI), and also on requirements relating to quality, information security and IT service management systems applicable in SNP Poland (ISO 27001, ISO 20000 certificates).

Go Forward implementation methodology contains, among others, the following elements:

• action procedures (who does what, when, how and why in each phase of the project)
• model forms (for the implementation process documentation),
• project tools (i.a. for project documentation management, business process modelling, program change management, data migration from source systems),
• examples of template solutions (a base  of knowledge and experience from implementations carried out by SNP Poland).

In the Go Forward methodology, we use unique elements:

• engagement of the SNP Poland service organisation operating according to ITIL standards,
• a solution concept based on a graphic model of processes, compliant with the BPMN standard,
• a virtual work environment – MS SharePoint portal.

The engagement of the SNP Poland service organisation

In addition to implementation consultants, SNP Poland service consultants participate in selected project works and acquire knowledge about the solution being prepared for a customer. This allows the customer to besupported by SNP Poland service organisation, operating according to ISO 20000 standards and the code of good practices described in the ITIL library, during go-live and immediately after it.

Go-liveruns more smoothly. The users of the new system can focus more on their normal duties, during go-live, and after. The participation of SNP Poland service consultants in the implementation allows also for a smooth transition to effective service (ongoing support for SAP users), without any additional knowledge transfer.

A solution concept based on a graphic model of processes

Whencreating the SAP solution concept, we use the BPMN (Business Process Modelling Notation)standard, which reflects the model and designed processes in graphic form. The model processes, presented in the form of clear diagrams, are a starting point. The work on the concept consists of its verification and adaptation. By using a graphic form, that is understandable to everybody, a better effect can be achieved: the target solution is better suited to the company’s needs, and the use of predefined model processes enables project teams to focus on business optimisation. The base of processes developed during the implementation may be used as a basis for process-oriented company management.

Virtual project work environment

We provideproject participants with a project portal prepared in the MS SharePoint environment. It creates a virtual work environment for people involved in the project. –They have permanent access, from anywhere in the world, to project documents and up-to-date information about the status and progress of work. The use of the portal increases the efficiency of implementation work and allows project participants to focus on the better effects of the project. The experience of SNP Poland in defining projects in the project portal, enables templates which include elements (e.g. a structure of the project, a list of documents, lists, reports) that are commonly used in different projects.

Phase 0 Pre-implementation analysis

The purpose of the initial phase is to determine the general framework of the project: the scope, a schedule and a budget. Persons designated by the customer and SNP Poland, participate in meetings which gradually refine the functional and organizational scope of the system, to meet the requirements of the company. On this basis, SNP Poland prepares an SAP system implementation offer including all significant assumptions for further project phases.
Deliverables of the phase: A system implementation offer, contract

Phase 1 Project preparation

In this phase, the implementation project and methods of working in the project (work regulations, training regulations, documenting, status reporting, record keeping and work accounting, use of resources, etc.) are defined in detail.
Deliverables of the phase: Project charter, Project regulations

Phase 2 Conceptual design

In this phase, training for the customer’s employees in the field of SAP solutions is conducted and an Implementation Blueprint ―a document describing how the customer’s business processes will be implemented in the IT system ― is prepared.
Deliverables of the phase: Implementation Blueprint

Phase 3 Prototype realisation

In the third phase, the so-called system prototype is prepared based on the implementation blueprint, through the parameterisation of the system settings. The prototype undergoes tests within individual functionalities and integration tests of the whole system to check if it functions properly.
Deliverables of the phase: A prototype of the SAP system

Phase 4 Preparation for operation

In the fourth phase, end users are trained in functions performed in the system. The SAP system is also filled with real data from IT systems that currently exist in the company (or other data sources).
Deliverables of the phase: A production system

Phase 5 Go live and operation

In this phase – after system go live – end users are supported on the first days of their work. Furthermore, the technical settings of the system are optimised.
Deliverables of the phase: Ongoing use of the SAP system